Addressing Hail and Wind Damage Repairs: Immediate Steps to Take After a Storm

Experiencing a hailstorm can be overwhelming, especially when considering the potential damage to your roof. Hail and wind can cause significant damage, leading to leaks and further issues if not addressed promptly. Knowing the proper steps to take immediately after a storm can help you stay organized and ensure that your roof is repaired efficiently.

This blog will guide you through the necessary actions to protect your home and get your roof back in shape.

Initial Actions to Take After Roof Hail and Wind Damage

There are many steps in the hail and wind damage repair process, but being timely with the initial actions is arguably the most important.

Ensure Safety First

Before anything else, ensure that you and your family are safe. Stay indoors until the storm has completely passed. High winds and hail can continue for a while, and avoiding any risk of injury is essential.

Conduct a Preliminary Inspection

Granules are the tiny, protective particles on the surface of asphalt shingles. Hailstones can dislodge these granules, leaving bald spots on the shingles. To check for granule loss, examine your gutters and downspouts for accumulated granules. If you notice a significant amount, your roof has likely sustained hail damage.

Examining Shingle Edges and Corners

Hail damage often affects the edges and corners of shingles, causing them to become loose or broken. Carefully inspect the perimeter of your roof and any protruding sections for damaged edges. Loose or broken shingle corners can lead to water infiltration and further roof deterioration.

Conducting an Attic Inspection

Once it’s safe, conduct a preliminary roof inspection after the hail storm has passed. Look for visible signs of hail damage, such as missing shingles, dents, or cracks. Binoculars can help you get a closer look without climbing onto the roof. Several shingles scattered across your yard after a storm is a clear indicator that your roof has sustained hail and wind damage and needs immediate attention.

Document the Damage

Take clear photos and videos of the hail and wind damage for later repairs. This documentation is crucial for your insurance claim. Make sure to capture different angles and close-ups of the damaged areas. You may notice dents in your metal gutters, missing shingles, or cracks in your skylight. Photograph these damages, as they can support your claim for repair costs.

Check Your Interior for Signs of Hail Damage

Inspect the interior of your home for signs of hail damage. Look for water stains on ceilings and walls, as well as damp spots around windows and doors. These signs indicate that the roof damage has allowed water to penetrate your home. If you find a wet spot on your ceiling, it could mean that the hail has caused a leak, which needs to be addressed immediately to prevent mold growth and further water damage.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company about the hail and wind damage for repairs as soon as possible. Your insurance company might ask for specific photos or additional details. Provide them with the documentation you have collected and follow their instructions for filing a claim. Being prompt and organized with your claim can help expedite the process and ensure you receive the necessary repair coverage.

Scheduling a Detailed Roof Inspection After the Hail Storm

Once you’ve covered all the initial actions that must be taken after intense winds and hail have damaged your roof, you’re going to want to schedule a detailed inspection with a professional roofing company. Let’s explore the steps you need to take.

Hire a Professional Roofing Contractor

While a preliminary inspection can give you an idea of the damage, a professional roofing company can provide a thorough assessment. They have the expertise to identify issues that may not be visible to the untrained eye. A roofing contractor might find that the hail has caused significant granule loss on your shingles, affecting the roof’s ability to shed water and protect your home.

Understanding the Extent of the Damage

A detailed inspection should help you understand the full extent of the damage. This includes both visible and hidden issues, such as damage to the underlayment or roof structure.

For example, your contractor might discover that the wind has lifted several shingles, exposing the roof deck to potential water damage. Addressing this promptly can prevent more extensive repairs down the line.

Get a Written Estimate

Be sure to ask the roofing contractor for a written estimate of the hail and wind damage repair costs. This estimate should include a detailed breakdown of the work needed, the materials required, and the total cost. An estimate might list costs for replacing damaged shingles, repairing the roof deck, and sealing any leaks. This information helps you understand what to expect and how to budget for the repairs.

Making Temporary Hail and Wind Damage Repairs

When your roof suffers damage from hail or wind, it’s crucial to make temporary repairs to prevent further issues until permanent fixes can be made. Here are some common examples of temporary repairs that can help protect your home:

• Tarping Over Damaged Areas: Cover damaged sections of your roof with a heavy-duty tarp, securing it with nails or screws.
• Sealing Leaks with Roofing Cement: Apply roofing cement or sealant to smaller leaks to keep water out temporarily.
• Patching with Roofing Tape: Use roofing tape to cover minor cracks and holes in shingles or other roofing materials.
• Placing a Temporary Cover over Skylights: Place plastic sheeting or a heavy-duty tarp over cracked or broken skylights, securing it with duct tape.
• Reinforcing Loose Shingles: Secure loose shingles with roofing nails or adhesive to keep them in place.
• Using Roof Patch Kits: Apply adhesive patches from a roof patch kit to temporarily cover damaged areas.
• Covering Exposed Roof Decking: Cover exposed decking with plywood or another sturdy material to provide temporary protection.
• Clearing Debris from Gutters and Downspouts: Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris to prevent water from backing up and causing additional damage.

Avoid DIY Repairs

While it might be tempting to handle repairs yourself, it’s usually best to leave this to the professionals. Improper repairs can lead to more damage and could void your insurance coverage. Attempting to replace shingles yourself without proper training might lead to incorrect installation, which causes leaks and further issues. Professional contractors have the skills and tools to ensure repairs are done correctly.

Filing an Insurance Claim for Hail and Wind Damage Repairs

Filing an insurance claim for hail and wind damage repairs involves documenting the damage, contacting your insurer, and working with an adjuster to assess and approve necessary repairs for your roof. Here are some of the key considerations homeowners should recognize when filing an insurance claim.

Understand Your Policy

Review your insurance policy to understand what is covered and the steps for filing a claim. Knowing the specifics of your coverage can help you navigate the claims process more effectively. For example, your policy might cover the cost of roof repairs but not cosmetic damage. Understanding these details can help you set realistic expectations for your claim.

Provide Accurate Information

When filing your claim, provide accurate and detailed information. This includes the extent of the damage, the date of the storm, and any temporary repairs you’ve made. Providing a timeline of when the damage occurred and the actions you took afterward can help your insurance adjuster assess your claim more efficiently.

Schedule an Adjuster’s Visit

Your insurance company is likely to send an adjuster to assess the hail and wind damage of your roof. Be available to walk them through the damage and provide any additional documentation they may need. Point out all the areas of damage you’ve documented, including any hidden damage identified by your roofing contractor. This ensures a thorough assessment of your claim. After the insurance claim has been processed, the hail and wind damage repair process can begin.

Experiencing hail and wind damage to your roof can be stressful, but taking immediate and organized steps can make the repair process more manageable. By ensuring safety, conducting thorough inspections, documenting damage, and working with professionals, you can protect your home and get your roof back in shape quickly. If you need assistance navigating the initial steps of hail and wind damage repair, reach out to Tectum Roofing.

Schedule a Roof Inspection After a Hail Storm With Tectum Roofing

Tectum Roofing is a professional roofing expert in Colorado with the experience needed to make timely and efficient hail and wind damage repairs after a storm. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your roof is restored to its best condition, protecting your home from further damage. Contact us today and we’ll handle your roofing needs with expertise and care.